Innovation Detail

Innovation Description

Profile
Innovator Mr. Nannem Tirupathi Rao hails from Prakasan district of Andhra Pradesh. He is an electrician by profession. He left his studies after completing intermediate due to poor economic background and started working for laying out electrical lines as a sub-contractor. He has been engaged in this work for the past many years and has worked in many states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Purpose
Rao found it difficult to climb electric poles made of cement. Therefore in 2016, he began designing a device to aid in climbing up the electric poles of all types. He successfully developed a prototype after many trials and modifications. He used the developed pole climber himself initially for climbing the electric pole, to instill confidence in others.

Technical details
The pole climber is made of a 16 mm steel rod, shaped into a square and bent suitably. Two such pieces are used in tandem by the climber. He has fixed leather sandals on this bent frame. The climber simply shoves his feet into the sandals and climbs the electric pole using this innovation as one climbs a staircase.

Benefits
It is easy to learn and provides comfort in climbing which otherwise is a difficult operation. It is safe, as each climber is tested for 150 kg weight. One can sit on it and work with both hands.

Suggested Reading(s):  

Johnson, J. M. (1959). Pole climbing safety device and seat. U.S. Patent No. 2,879,830. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  

Knudsen, C. J. (1946). Pole climber. U.S. Patent No. 2,392,538. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  

Sherman, D. C. (1970). Mechanical pole climber. U.S. Patent No. 3,504,767. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.